Immigration
Working in Canada
Effective April 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the requirements for co-op work permits. Eligible international students at post-secondary institutions are no longer required to obtain a separate co-op work permit to complete co-op terms, internships, or practicums. Eligible students may use the on-campus work authorization on their SFU study permit to participate in an SFU-approved work placement.
Work placements must still constitute no more than 50% of the total study program and be an essential component of the program. There is no limit on the number of hours students can work for their work placement. For additional details and eligibility requirements, please visit the IRCC – Work in a student work placement webpage.
What if my work-terms are more than 50% of my program?
IRCC guidelines states that co‑op, internship, or practicum work must not exceed 50% of the total program of study, and the work must be an essential part of the academic program. In practical terms, this usually means that the number of work terms should be less than or equal to the number of academic study terms.
In the event, you plan to do an additional work term that is not essential, and will not exceed 50% of your program, some questions to consider are:
- For co-op students, what is the minimum number of co‑op terms required to obtain the co‑op designation?
- Will this additional work term coop opportunity be approved by SFU’s Co‑op Office/Faculty?
- Having already completed the required number of work terms, are there any extenuating academic or enrolment related reasons that support pursuing an additional, optional work term?
For further guidance, connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.